JioHotstar continues to strengthen its Malayalam content library with a mix of theatrical releases, original series, crime investigations, and mystery thrillers. The platform has already confirmed that Dridam, starring Shane Nigam in the lead role, will start streaming from June 12.
The film handles a police investigation thriller subject and has generated curiosity among Malayalam OTT viewers. If you are looking for more thrillers before Dridam arrives on the platform, JioHotstar already has a strong collection worth adding to your watchlist.
As Malayalam audiences continue searching for updates about upcoming releases, including the much-awaited Drishyam 3 OTT release, there are several investigation dramas and crime thrillers available on JioHotstar that deserve attention.
Malayalam Thrillers to Watch on JioHotstar Before Dridam
| Title | Type | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Ronth | Film | Realistic police thriller from Shahi Kabir |
| Kerala Crime Files | Series | Investigation-based Malayalam web series |
| Kerala Crime Files Season 2 | Series | Continues the crime-solving journey |
| Corona Papers | Film | Shane Nigam thriller directed by Priyadarshan |
| Drishyam | Film | One of Malayalam cinema’s greatest thrillers |
Ronth
One of the most talked-about recent Malayalam thrillers on JioHotstar is Ronth.
Written and directed by Shahi Kabir, the film is produced by Vineet Jain, Rathish Ambat, Ranjith E.V.M., and Jojo Jose under the banners of Junglee Pictures and Festival Cinemas.
The film features Dileesh Pothan and Roshan Mathew in lead roles alongside Arun Cherukavil, Roshan Abdul Rahoof, Krisha Kurup, Lakshmi Menon, Sudhi Koppa, Rajesh Madhavan, and Kochouseph Chittilappilly.
Ronth stands out for its grounded storytelling and realistic portrayal of police work, making it a perfect choice for viewers interested in investigation-based thrillers.
Bonus: The film is available in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.
Kerala Crime Files – Shiju Parayil Veedu, Neendakara
When discussing Malayalam thrillers on OTT, Kerala Crime Files remains one of the most important milestones.
Originally launched as Disney+ Hotstar’s first Malayalam web series, the show received widespread appreciation for its gripping storytelling and realistic investigation narrative.
Directed by Ahammed Khabeer, the series stars Lal and Aju Varghese in pivotal roles. The story follows a complex murder investigation that keeps viewers engaged from beginning to end.
Even years after its release, Kerala Crime Files remains among the most recommended Malayalam crime thrillers on OTT.
Multiple Language Availability
The series is available in:
- Malayalam
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Hindi
- Kannada
- Bengali
- Marathi
Kerala Crime Files Season 2
The franchise expanded with Kerala Crime Files Season 2: The Search for CPO Ambili Raju, which is also streaming on JioHotstar.
The second season is directed by Ahammed Khabeer with story, screenplay, and dialogues by Bahul Ramesh.
Bahul Ramesh is also known for writing Kishkindha Kaandam, another popular thriller currently available on JioHotstar. His upcoming project Echo has already generated attention among Malayalam cinema followers.
For viewers who enjoy investigative narratives and procedural crime dramas, Kerala Crime Files Season 2 is a natural continuation.
Corona Papers
Before Dridam arrives on JioHotstar, Shane Nigam fans can revisit one of his thriller outings, Corona Papers.
Directed and produced by Priyadarshan under the banner Four Frames Sound Company, the film is an adaptation of the Tamil movie 8 Thottakkal directed by Sri Ganesh.
The film features:
- Shane Nigam as SI Rahul Nambiar
- Shine Tom Chacko as Kaaka Paappi
- Siddique as Shankararaman
- Hannah Reji Koshy as Rani
- Jean Lal as Tony
- Gayathrie
- Maniyanpilla Raju
- Vijilesh Karayad
The police investigation backdrop and Shane Nigam’s performance make Corona Papers an interesting companion watch before Dridam’s OTT premiere.
Bonus: Shane Nigam’s next OTT release, Dridam, officially starts streaming on June 12 through JioHotstar.
Drishyam – A Thriller Classic
No Malayalam thriller watchlist is complete without Drishyam.
Written and directed by Jeethu Joseph, the film continues to attract new viewers even years after its original release.
The movie stars:
- Mohanlal
- Meena
- Ansiba Hassan
- Esther Anil
- Kalabhavan Shajohn
- Asha Sharath
- Siddique
- Roshan Basheer
- Neeraj Madhav
Produced by Antony Perumbavoor under Aashirvad Cinemas, Drishyam redefined the investigation thriller genre in Malayalam cinema and remains one of the most rewatchable films on JioHotstar.
With discussions continuing around the future OTT release of Drishyam 3, many viewers are revisiting the earlier installments and similar thrillers available on streaming platforms.
More Malayalam Thrillers Coming to JioHotstar
Apart from Dridam, JioHotstar has already announced several Malayalam titles for 2026.
From Midhun Manuel Thomas’s Anali starring Leona Lishoy and Nikhila Vimal to 1000 Babies Season 2, the platform appears committed to expanding its Malayalam thriller and mystery catalog.
Viewers looking for suspense, investigations, crime dramas, and psychological thrillers have plenty of options available while waiting for the next wave of Malayalam OTT releases.
Bonus: Cousins & Kalyanams New Episodes Added
If you are looking for something lighter after a marathon of thrillers, JioHotstar has also added four fresh episodes of Cousins & Kalyanams, offering a refreshing change from crime and mystery narratives.
Conclusion
With Dridam officially arriving on JioHotstar from June 12, Malayalam thriller fans have another reason to explore the platform’s growing collection.
Whether it is the realistic police drama of Ronth, the investigation-driven Kerala Crime Files franchise, Shane Nigam’s Corona Papers, or the evergreen Drishyam, there is no shortage of gripping content to watch before Dridam begins streaming.
FAQ
When does Dridam start streaming on JioHotstar?
Dridam starts streaming on JioHotstar from June 12.
Is Ronth available on JioHotstar?
Yes, Ronth is currently streaming on JioHotstar.
Where can I watch Kerala Crime Files?
Both seasons of Kerala Crime Files are available on JioHotstar.
Is Corona Papers available on OTT?
Yes, Corona Papers is available for streaming on JioHotstar.
Is Drishyam available on JioHotstar?
Yes, the original Malayalam version of Drishyam is available on JioHotstar.
What are the upcoming Malayalam titles announced by JioHotstar?
Anali and 1000 Babies Season 2 are among the Malayalam titles announced by the platform.
